Thursday, June 15, 2017

Dear Mr. Dreikosen and the Members of the Marinwood CSD: June 15, 2017

1.) There is much case law about the abuse of ad hoc committee process by local governments pushing the definition of "ad hoc" committee. Government is a public process and discussions need to take place in the open. When the question of ad hoc committees came up in 2015, we were promised regular written reporting. The pension comittee did fullfill its promise. On Tuesday, it did not.

On June 13, 2017, after a verbal report on the employee handbook by Izabela Perry, I asked for written reports for the record. This request was rudely rebuffed. Not only was it insulting, it was likely in violation of the Brown Act and undermines trust in the ad hoc process.

2.) Repeated closed sessions without reporting is also in violation of the Brown act. The subjects of the closed door meetings need to be discussed even while specific conversation can be privileged. Once again it violates the public trust to fail to provide disclosure. I am confident that a competent legal council will advise you how to report properly.

It is disturbing that the CSD council holds itself beyond reproach or accountability requirements. Following the law is easy. Repeated Brown Act violations puts the credibility of the council at risk and could reverse decisions made while in violation.

I have meetings on tape and I believe violations can be easily proven. It would be preferable if we simply acknowledge the errors and correct them.

I look forward to acknowledgement of your responsibilities under the Brown Act and a promise to correct past violations with full disclosure.

About SaveMarinwood.org

Our community is what we make it. Marinwood-Lucas Valley is on the eve of a fateful decision by the Marin County Board of Supervisors to designate our community with 71% of all affordable housing in unincorporated Marin. If built to plan it will swell our community by 25% and add 600-1000 school children to the Dixie School District. Since affordable housing developments pay virtually no taxes, the community will have to pay for the $6 million to $10 million annually estimated to educate these children. Our total budget for the Marinwood CSD is $4.2 million dollars. Clearly it will have a severe impact on our community.

We support a fair allocation of affordable housing in our community that is sensitive to land use, is fiscally responsible, healthy for the families and integrates diversity within our community.

Unfortunately, planners, politicians and political insiders made their plans without us.